If you were a Mega Drive kid or you just really like Sonic, then you can place your order now ahead of the 2017 release for PS4 and Xbox One.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/17/sonic-mania-collectors-edition-is-getting-a-european-release-and-you-can-pre-order-now/feed/0Sonic Mania hands-on: after 20 years, this is the sequel I’ve always wantedhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/09/28/sonic-mania-hands-on-after-20-years-this-is-the-sequel-ive-always-wanted/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/09/28/sonic-mania-hands-on-after-20-years-this-is-the-sequel-ive-always-wanted/#respondWed, 28 Sep 2016 07:16:38 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=602115Sonic’s back on form – it just took SEGA handing him off to somebody else to do it.

This might get me some stick off some Super Mario Bros. 3 and World fans, but I strongly believe 1994’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles is the finest 2D platformer ever made. When those two games are locked on and combined into the complete Sonic 3, it’s unbeatable. His next outing, in 1996, was isometric 3D. SEGA barely looked back – 2D Sonic was gone for a long time.

When he eventually was it was never quite right. The Sonic Advance games were a dubious 2D representation of ideas from 3D Sonic. Sonic Rush was a better take but was still very different to the classics. By the time the provocatively-named Sonic 4 rolled around fans were desperate for something 1994-esque, but Sonic 4 was ultimately a cheap imitation, like one of those fancy dress costumes you buy that looks impressive in pictures but is paper-thin when you put it on.

Because of all this I was ecstatic when Sonic Mania was announced. The guys responsible for this aren’t even from inside SEGA – they’re fans who grew up on Sonic fan communities such as Sonic Retro, an excellent website dedicated to ripping apart Sonic games from the inside out for the purposes of modding, discovering cut content and simply learning.

These guys have the credentials. They’d previously worked on the PC, console and mobile port of Sonic CD and the iOS ports of Sonic 1 & Sonic 2 as well. This is significant because this laid the groundwork. Unlike most ports of old games, these weren’t simply emulation. The engines of these classic games were rebuilt in a new form, the Retro Engine. Years spent as fans reverse-engineering the classics has allowed them to accomplish the exact physics and movement that made the original Sonic games great – something Sega itself had struggled to do.

“Years spent as fans reverse-engineering the classics has allowed them to accomplish the exact physics and movement that made the original Sonic games great – something Sega itself had struggled do.”

The Retro Engine is designed around the feature set of 32-bit consoles, more or less, and that’s what Sonic Mania feels like. It’s the lost 2D Sonic game that should’ve arrived on the Sega Saturn. The demo I got to play has been shown off quite a bit since July and features two stages – a remastered Green Hill Zone and an all-new zone, Studiopolis.

Despite my knowledge of the game’s engine and the guys behind it I was still skeptical as I picked up the controller. The trailers for Sonic 4 looked awesome, after all – but Sonic Mania lives up to it. Right away it feels right. Sonic’s movement is exactly as it was back then, and much of the game is built on top of the work already done on those ports. Classic power ups and badniks return, and the game genuinely feels like an iterative sequel from Sonic 3 as if nothing else had happened in between.

The simplicity of Sonic Mania’s vision is summed up in the controls: the stick or the D-pad moves you, and all the face buttons jump. That’s it. There’s no need for anything else; no super speed button, no ring dash, no homing attack, no BS. Simplicity is, in this case, bliss.

This version of Green Hill Zone starts out familiar but then deviates wildly into an entirely new version of the level. It’s been confirmed that the game will feature both these retro remix levels and all-new levels, though there’ll be more of these. Based on Green Hill I’m not too concerned about that: It’s clear that reusing sprite-sets, level gimmicks and the like saves time, but there’s a lot here to make Green Hill feel unfamiliar and new. The end-of-act boss battle against one of Robotnik’s contraptions takes place in a sort of underground area with the iconic skyline of the level barely visible behind it – it’s quite cool.

Even in the act end the adoration the guys behind this have for even the most subtle Sonic lore is obvious. In the original Sonic there was a cut animation – after finishing a level, Sonic would punch the air. This was eventually swapped out for the iconic finger-waggle victory pose, but the cut pose became legend among the hardcore game-hacking fans. Sonic Mania has both, of course – he now punches the air, then does his finger waggle. At last, those animations made it into a game. This is why these are the right guys for this job.

“Studiopolis has the sense of style of Sonic CD but is nowhere near as mind-bending or convoluted as your average Sonic CD level. It’s all the better for it.”

All-new level Studiopolis is interesting. If I had to guess this will become Sonic Mania’s Casino Level, except instead of a casino it’s a movie studio. We have things we haven’t had in Sonic games for years like enemies that thematically fit the level. One enemy looks like a studio light and swings down the ceiling to try to electrocute Sonic, for instance – it’s cool.

Throughout the level there are nods to SEGA lore far and wide. A building from Streets of Rage is in the background. One of the level gimmicks is Sonic getting sucked into a giant popcorn machine, and the machine is based off the SegaSonic Popcorn Shop, a real-life popcorn dispensing machine Sega made in the 90s. There are deep cuts.

Beyond all that, this also looks and plays great. There’s a richness to the Studipolis colour palette that’d have made it impossible on Mega Drive but perfect for the Saturn. In level design terms it’s clear in their all-original level that the team are big Sonic CD fans, but there’s also concessions here. Studiopolis has the sense of style of Sonic CD but is nowhere near as mind-bending or convoluted as your average Sonic CD level. It’s all the better for it. These levels are massive, too, seemingly matching up to Sonic 3 & Knuckles’ largest. Oh, and, the music is amazing.

I set down the controller after the demo and, honestly, I’m ecstatic. This game means something to me even though it probably shouldn’t – even though I should’ve grown out of it all by now. This is the game that 7-year-old me wanted instead of Sonic 3D 20 years ago – and so far it seems like it’s going to be amazing.

Sonic Mania is out early next year for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/09/28/sonic-mania-hands-on-after-20-years-this-is-the-sequel-ive-always-wanted/feed/0Sonic Mania is a new 2D platformer coming to PC, PS4, Xbox One in spring 2017http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/23/sonic-mania-is-a-new-2d-platformer-coming-to-pc-ps4-xbox-one-in-spring-2017/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/23/sonic-mania-is-a-new-2d-platformer-coming-to-pc-ps4-xbox-one-in-spring-2017/#respondSat, 23 Jul 2016 16:02:29 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=593844Along with the teaser trailer for Project Sonic, a new title in the series was announced at San Diego Comic-con during SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Party.

Titled Sonic Mania, the game features 2D pixel-style art and classic platforming gameplay. It contained re-imagined Zones and Acts from Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles along with new Zones with all-new Acts and bosses.

The game will be available for digital release in spring 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

It was also announced at the anniversary event that mobile game Sonic Dash has been downloaded over 200 million times.

To celebrate, the developers are releasing a special in-game level event that includes the Green Hill Zone and classic-Sonic as a playable character. The event will last one week and once unlocked, the zone and classic-Sonic will be playable even after the event.

Not much is known at present, and the teaser trailer doesn’t reveal much other than destruction taking place and Sonic getting help from a familiar face.

SEGA promised more information would be made available at a later date.

In development at Sonic Team, Project Sonic the game is slated for a holiday release on PC, Nintendo NX, PS4 and Xbox One. It will be made available in both digital and physical format.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/07/23/project-sonic-out-holiday-2017-for-pc-nx-ps4-xbox-one-watch-the-reveal-trailer-here/feed/0New Sonic the Hedgehog game slated for release next yearhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/06/25/new-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-slated-for-release-next-year/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/25/new-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-slated-for-release-next-year/#respondSat, 25 Jun 2016 20:57:28 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=590161SEGA announced during its Sonic 25th Anniversary celebration in Tokyo a new game starring the hedgehog will be released in 2017.

Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka announced the news, promising the game would be revealed during the Sonic anniversary event in San Diego on July 22. The event will be streamed live through Twitch.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/25/new-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-slated-for-release-next-year/feed/0This Sonic Humble Bundle collects 25 years of historyhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/06/22/this-sonic-humble-bundle-collects-25-years-of-history/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/22/this-sonic-humble-bundle-collects-25-years-of-history/#respondWed, 22 Jun 2016 00:13:41 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=589656Another day, another Humble Bundle. This time, you can get twelve Sonic games for $10.

This Sonic Humble Bundle collects 25 years of history

The Sonic 25th anniversary bundle collects several of Sonic’s exploits, good and bad (Sonic 06 is thankfully not represented, although the awful Sonic Adventure DX is).

Spend $1 or more and receive:

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic Adventure DX

Sonic 3D Blast

Sonic CD

A coupon for 10% off Humble Monthly for new subscribers.

Beat the average price (currently $9.35) to get:

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 – Episode 1

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic Adventure 2 + Battle DLC

Pay $10 and you’ll also get:

Sonic Lost World

Sonic Generations + Casino DLC

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 – Episode 2

Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed + DLC

Pay $35 and you’ll also receive a Sonic shirt.

It’s worth jumping up to the $10 tier just for Sonic All Stars Racing, one of the best Mario Kart riffs around.

As always, proceeds are split between the developers and several charities: Child’s Play, SpecialEffect, U.S. Fund for Unicef, and the World Wildlife Foundation.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/22/this-sonic-humble-bundle-collects-25-years-of-history/feed/0Michael Jackson’s music made it into Sonic 3, composers claimhttp://www.vg247.com/2016/01/27/michael-jacksons-music-made-it-into-sonic-3-composers-claim/
http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/27/michael-jacksons-music-made-it-into-sonic-3-composers-claim/#respondWed, 27 Jan 2016 01:46:54 +0000https://www.vg247.com/?p=566681Michael Jackson co-wrote the music in Sonic 3. But did we actually hear any of it?

If you somehow missed one of the longest-running and most beloved gaming rumours of the past decade: some Sonic fans have always believed that the King of Pop composed the soundtrack to Sonic 3.

The rumour had its roots in remarkably Jackson-like themes in the platformer’s score and Jackson’s pre-existing relationship with Sega. There are all sorts of legends regarding how the collaboration came about, but Sega has never confirmed anything – something conspiracy theorists put down to the child abuse scandal that broke about nine months before the game’s release.

Now a report published on The Huffington Posts’s Testkitchen platform claims to have proof: three of the game’s six credited composers (Brad Buxer, Doug Grigsby III and Cirocco Jones) said Jackson worked with them and three other musicians, and that the music they produced together is in the final game – together with work produced by other teams. According to the three sources, Jackson asked that his name be held back as he wasn’t happy with how Sega compressed the music.

Unfortunately this claim is countered by another source, former Sega executive Roger Hector, who said Jackson’s work wasn’t featured in the finished game, and was pulled due to the child abuse scandal. That said, Howard Drossin, who was called in to replace Jackson as lead composer, said that there was plenty of music already attached to the project when he came on board, which made it to publication.

The full article is a fascinating read both for those who’ve been following this story for years and for those stumbling across it for the first time.

Sega Japan has announced that Gensis/ Mega Drive classics Sonic the Hedgehog 1&2 will no longer be available on Xbox Live or Wii Virtual Console. Today, October 30, is the last day they’ll be available for sale.

The information comes from Famitsu [Japanese], but nothing has been announced with regards to the West.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as well as the PlayStation versions of 1&2 remain available. They also continue to be available for 3DS through the eShop under the name “3D Sonic the Hedgehog.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2015/10/30/sega-japan-pulling-sonic-the-hedgehog-12-from-xbl-and-wii-vc/feed/0Horror show compilation of lost Sonic games is today’s Internet darlinghttp://www.vg247.com/2015/08/11/horror-show-compilation-of-lost-sonic-games-is-todays-internet-darling/
http://www.vg247.com/2015/08/11/horror-show-compilation-of-lost-sonic-games-is-todays-internet-darling/#respondTue, 11 Aug 2015 01:19:26 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=542171Sonic the Hedgehog will never be the same. Or, if you’ve explored the fandom at all, nothing has changed for you in any way.

Self-professed Internet gang Arcane Kids has released another of its gems, and this one is especially precious.

Called Sonic Dreams Collection, it’s presented as a compilation of lost Sonic Dreamcast games. You can download it for Mac or PC by visiting this page and entering the password “grandpa”.

What follows is – well, look. I think you should just experience it for yourself. If you want a primer, though, Kotaku has a good write up complete with a number of GIFs. I can’t wait to see what further discoveries are made regarding this piece of gaming history.

If it all leaves you baffled and upset, please reacquaint yourself with the Arcane Kids manifesto. And maybe also the Sonic fandom, because this isn’t even scraping the surface of the places those people go.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2015/08/11/horror-show-compilation-of-lost-sonic-games-is-todays-internet-darling/feed/0You’ll never look at Sonic the same way again after watching thishttp://www.vg247.com/2014/07/29/sonic-the-hedgehog-scientifically-accurate-sonic-the-hedgehog/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/07/29/sonic-the-hedgehog-scientifically-accurate-sonic-the-hedgehog/#respondTue, 29 Jul 2014 19:16:03 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=484736This is probably one of the strangest things I have ever watched, bar none.

Annimation Domination’s FOXADHD has a new clip out call Scientifically Accurate Sonic the Hedgehog.

It tells you more than you ever wanted to know about the spiky little critters, and why the SEGA game doesn’t adhere to natural facts – as if that is something new with a video game.

Seriously, who would want to play an accurate game about these animals after watching this video? I know I wouldn’t

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/07/29/sonic-the-hedgehog-scientifically-accurate-sonic-the-hedgehog/feed/0This virtual reality Sonic game will give you nightmareshttp://www.vg247.com/2014/06/30/sonic-hedgehog-virtual-reality-vr-oculus-rift-will-give-you-nightmares/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/06/30/sonic-hedgehog-virtual-reality-vr-oculus-rift-will-give-you-nightmares/#commentsMon, 30 Jun 2014 10:33:26 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=480863Sonic the Hedgehog is already a nightmare for those unhappy with Sega’s modern entries, but after watching this virtual reality demo you might actually have trouble sleeping tonight.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/06/30/sonic-hedgehog-virtual-reality-vr-oculus-rift-will-give-you-nightmares/feed/2First-person Sonic the Hedgehog in Oculus Rift seems sickening – videohttp://www.vg247.com/2014/04/26/first-person-sonic-the-hedgehog-in-oculus-rift-seems-sickening-video/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/04/26/first-person-sonic-the-hedgehog-in-oculus-rift-seems-sickening-video/#commentsSat, 26 Apr 2014 22:51:50 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=467226There’s a fan-made Unreal Engine 3 Sonic game that lets you run around in a 3D world, viewing it through Sonic’s eyes, and thanks to the magic of modern personal computing this game can be played with an Oculus Rift virtual reality display. And we have a video of what that looks like.

Now, Oculus is really cool but it is very disorienting because even though whatever you’re viewing in it is completely dominating your vision and you can look around the game world the same way you would in real life, there’s an ever so slight look delay and conscious knowledge that you’re looking at a fake world. Thus wooziness and a need at present for short play sessions for most people.

And this game in particular looks like an acquired taste in VR. But if you have an Oculus development kit you can try this out now, but you will need a few things to make it work, relevant links in the video description.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/04/26/first-person-sonic-the-hedgehog-in-oculus-rift-seems-sickening-video/feed/2Sonic the Hedgehog’s origins lampooned in comedy sketchhttp://www.vg247.com/2014/03/03/sonic-the-hedgehogs-origins-lampooned-in-comedy-sketch/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/03/sonic-the-hedgehogs-origins-lampooned-in-comedy-sketch/#commentsMon, 03 Mar 2014 12:59:46 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=453068Sonic the Hedgehog’s getting a sort-of reboot in Sonic Boom and comedy troupe BEASTS has put together a sketch that proposes an alternate spin on the boardroom meeting that led to his creation. It’s totally not safe for work.

BEASTS is comprised of comedians Ciaran Dowd, James McNicholas and Owen Roberts. They’ve been going for over two years and have appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

What do you make of the sketch?

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/03/sonic-the-hedgehogs-origins-lampooned-in-comedy-sketch/feed/1Sonic Boom won’t release in Japan, Sonic Team working on its own gamehttp://www.vg247.com/2014/02/07/sonic-boom-wont-release-in-japan-sonic-team-working-on-its-own-game/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/07/sonic-boom-wont-release-in-japan-sonic-team-working-on-its-own-game/#commentsFri, 07 Feb 2014 11:44:47 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=446691Sonic Boom was announced by western developer Big Red Button yesterday. It’s a sort-of reboot aimed at audiences here in the west, but that doesn’t mean Sonic Team is taking things easy. It’s got its own Sonic game in the works.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/07/sonic-boom-wont-release-in-japan-sonic-team-working-on-its-own-game/feed/8Sonic the Hedgehog: PS4 & Xbox One 2015 report was “incorrect,” says Segahttp://www.vg247.com/2014/02/04/sonic-the-hedgehog-ps4-xbox-one-2015-report-was-incorrect-says-sega/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/04/sonic-the-hedgehog-ps4-xbox-one-2015-report-was-incorrect-says-sega/#respondTue, 04 Feb 2014 12:26:01 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=445723Sonic the Hedgehog was looking set for a PS4 and Xbox One debut in 2015, following a photo taken at a German toy fair last week, but Sega has since stepped in to drop a deuce on the rumours.

It came from this photo, which showed Sonic the Hedgehog’s future release slate and new cartoon show.

Now, in a statement to Eurogamer, a Sega spokesperson wrote, “Sega is yet to announce details of upcoming console video games for Sonic the Hedgehog or further details regarding the new Sonic CG TV series. The recent information coming out of Nuremburg Toy Fair was incorrect.

“For official and up to date news regarding Sonic the Hedgehog please go to www.sonicthehedgehog.com or follow Sonic on Twitter (@sonic_hedgehog).”

What do you make of the above? Would you like to see Sonic brought to next-gen formats? Let us know what you think below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/04/sonic-the-hedgehog-ps4-xbox-one-2015-report-was-incorrect-says-sega/feed/0Sonic the Hedgehog gets first-person treatmenthttp://www.vg247.com/2013/07/29/sonic-the-hedgehog-gets-first-person-treatment/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/07/29/sonic-the-hedgehog-gets-first-person-treatment/#commentsMon, 29 Jul 2013 07:29:01 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=392678Have you ever wondered what Sonic the Hedgehog would play like if it was a first-person game? You can file this one under ‘It’s the start of the week, it’s raining where Dave is, it’s miserable.’ Happy Monday everyone!

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/13/nintendo-downloads-na-mighty-switch-force-2-mutant-mudds-deluxe-sonic-the-hedgehog/feed/0Nintendo downloads Europe: Animal Crossing & Sega Game Gear classics lead the weekhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/06/10/nintendo-downloads-europe-animal-crossing-sega-game-gear-classics-lead-the-week/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/10/nintendo-downloads-europe-animal-crossing-sega-game-gear-classics-lead-the-week/#respondMon, 10 Jun 2013 12:21:12 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=375507Nintendo has published its weekly list of new games hitting the Wii U and 3DS digital eShop. Animal Crossing: New Leaf and a string of old-school Sega Game Gear classics lead this week’s offering.

3DS

First up, charming sandbox title Animal Crossing: New Leaf will launch at midnight on June 14 at €39.99 / £34.99, and promises to be both addictive and rather lovely indeed.

Sega dominates the 3DS Virtual Console this week with a barrage of Sega Game Gear titles starting with Sonic the Hedgehog at €4.99 / £4.49, followed by Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine at €2.99 / £2.69, Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya at €3.99 / £3.59, and finally, puzzle-tastic gem stacker Columns at €3.99 / £3.59.

Wii

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/10/nintendo-downloads-europe-animal-crossing-sega-game-gear-classics-lead-the-week/feed/0Sonic the Hedgehog out now on Androidhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/sonic-the-hedgehog-out-now-on-android/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/sonic-the-hedgehog-out-now-on-android/#commentsFri, 17 May 2013 05:04:14 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=367942The original Sonic the Hedgehog is now available on Google Play for Android devices, priced at $3. This isn’t just a quick and dirty port, either, but a Retro-Engine remake from fan turned pro Christian “The Taxman” Whitehead. It boasts widescreen support at 60FPS, a remastered soundtrack, leaderboards, achievements, Time Attack mode, and playable Knuckles and Tails. The iOS version has been updated to add in these extra features, too.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/sonic-the-hedgehog-out-now-on-android/feed/1Sonic the Hedgehog gets the 3D classics treatment next weekhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-gets-the-3d-classics-treatment-next-week/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-gets-the-3d-classics-treatment-next-week/#commentsWed, 08 May 2013 07:36:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=364823The original Sonic the Hedgehog title is set to appear on the Japanese Nintendo 3DS eShop next week with an enhanced 3D edition that adds stereoscopic effects to the 22-year-old title.

Titled ‘3D Sonic the Hedgehog’, the release is essentially a port of the Mega Drive/Genesis original with smaller additions laid on top. Siliconera reports that the game features a save state system and also adds the spin-dash move, a power given to Sonic in his second outing. It’s been added to Sonic 1 re-releases previously, such as on the Saturn’s Sonic Jam compilation.

The main feature likely to draw in fans is the addition of an optional 3D effect. There’s a couple of different modes that the 3D can be set to and the game even has a setting that emulates how the game would’ve looked on a 90s CRT screen.

3D Sonic the Hedgehog is the latest in a line of Sega classics hitting the 3DS with added 3D and joins the likes of Space Harrier and Hang On next week for 600 Yen. There’s no word on a Western release just yet – but Sonic the Hedgehog Remastered is heading to iOS and Android over here relatively shortly.

What other Sega classics would you like to see get the 3D treatment? Pop your thoughts below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-gets-the-3d-classics-treatment-next-week/feed/1Sonic the Hedgehog: new game releasing November on current, next-gen formats – rumourhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-new-game-releasing-november-on-current-next-gen-formats-rumour/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-new-game-releasing-november-on-current-next-gen-formats-rumour/#commentsWed, 01 May 2013 09:36:30 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=362908Sonic the Hedgehog is making a return this year it seems, according to a leak by a known Sonic tiptser. The 3D game is currently codenamed ‘Sonic Excursion’ and will release in November for current and next-gen formats.

NeoGAF cited a source called Wentos on SegaBits who has supposedly leaked accurate information on every Sonic game since Unleashed. While the person has a long track record, please do treat the below as rumour for now.

The source stated that the game will launch in November for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, 3DS and PlayStation 4.

Interestingly, the source adds that the game is also coming out on “Xbox Infinite”. Could this be the name of Microsoft’s new rig after all?

Wentos said, “This past weekend I was able to watch a couple of demonstrations on Sonic Team’s upcoming Sonic The Hedgehog game, currently titled “Sonic Excursion.” In all they had two levels to show off which all four of the playable characters the story will focus on were able to play through.

“The first level is called “Shattered Heights” and is similar to the Sonic Generations incarnation of Speed Highway. Very New York themed. We were told the level was five minutes long, but they spent about fifteen minutes showing us parts of the stage’s design, focusing on the lighting and shadows and how lighting was one of the main focuses for this game’s design”.

Sonic Excursion apparently lets players control Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy, and Wentos allegedly saw a second stage called Lunar Caverns, and added that the 3DS version of the game will not be created by developer DIMPS as, “Sega has ended their relationship with them.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-new-game-releasing-november-on-current-next-gen-formats-rumour/feed/11Sonic the Hedgehog remastered for Android, iOS release this monthhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/04/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-remastered-for-android-ios-release-this-month/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/04/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-remastered-for-android-ios-release-this-month/#commentsMon, 08 Apr 2013 00:24:10 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=356018Sega has announced a new version of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, remastered for Android and iOS. In a post on the Sonic Retro forums, prominent Sonic fan community members Christian “The Taxman” Whitehead and Stealth were confirmed as the power behind the port, with Whitehead stating the new version is a Retro-Engine remake like that Sonic CD was recently graced with. Expect the mobile release this month for $3; owners of the existing version will be able to update for free. A Sonic 2 remake is also on the cards.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/04/08/sonic-the-hedgehog-remastered-for-android-ios-release-this-month/feed/3Sonic Adventure 3 is working title of next Sonic title – rumourhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/02/07/sonic-adventure-3-is-working-title-of-next-sonic-title-rumour/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/07/sonic-adventure-3-is-working-title-of-next-sonic-title-rumour/#commentsThu, 07 Feb 2013 13:44:04 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=337833Sonic Adventure 3 is the working title of Sega’s next Sonic the Hedgehog game, according to an alleged inside source.

The rumblings come from a Go Nintendo source who is said to be close to the matter.

Sonic Adventure 3 is said to be the internal codename of the project, and it may not stick come launch time. But still, would you like to see a new game made similarly to the classic Dreamcast games? Or is 2D still the way forward?

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/07/sonic-adventure-3-is-working-title-of-next-sonic-title-rumour/feed/7New Sonic to be revealed in February – rumourhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/01/24/new-sonic-to-be-revealed-in-february-rumour/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/24/new-sonic-to-be-revealed-in-february-rumour/#commentsThu, 24 Jan 2013 03:51:09 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=332640Today’s latest on dit is that Sega is planning to reveal a new Sonic game next month, for every platform under the sun including next-generation hardware. Rumour has it the game has been in the works since before Sonic Generations and includes 20 three-act stages, multiple playable characters, and both 2D and 3D playable sections. February 2 is Hedgehog Day, so expect a tease or reveal then should this prove true. Because we get a Sonic rumour about once a month I’m filing this under “man on the Internet said”, but head over to Sonic Stadium to read all the details.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/24/new-sonic-to-be-revealed-in-february-rumour/feed/1Sonic the Hedgehog live-action fan film sparks a global crisishttp://www.vg247.com/2013/01/11/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-fan-film-sparks-a-global-crisis/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/11/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-fan-film-sparks-a-global-crisis/#commentsFri, 11 Jan 2013 10:15:25 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=329313Sonic the Hedgehog has been given the live-action fan film treatment thanks to Blue Core Studios. it’s an epic riff on the disaster movie, as Dr. Robotnik’s mechanised menace rains down from the skies and gives a human task force a stiff kicking. Global panic then ensues. Watch it below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/11/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-fan-film-sparks-a-global-crisis/feed/6Sonic getting new digital and boxed games in 2013http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/09/sonic-getting-new-digital-and-boxed-game-in-2013/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/09/sonic-getting-new-digital-and-boxed-game-in-2013/#commentsFri, 09 Nov 2012 10:31:47 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=314801Sonic the Hedgehog will return again in 2013 across several digital releases and a brand-new boxed game. Get happy or get angry at the details below.

Ah Sonic, you polarising bugger you. ONM reports that – whether you like it or not – Sonic will return with a bang in 2013.

European head of brand licensing at Sega Sissel Henno has told Toys ‘n’ Playthings magazine that the developer is going big on all things Sonic:

“Over the next year there will be a big focus on the expansion of [Sonic licensed] toy distribution across Europe. Similarly, we will also be growing the apparel, publishing and stationary categories. We will have several new digital titles launching as well as a new boxed game, so there will be plenty of opportunities to link marketing campaigns across games and merchandise.”

So more games and more swag then? How does this make you feel? Should Sonic take a break for a while or was Sonic Generations a step in the right direction? Let us know below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/09/sonic-getting-new-digital-and-boxed-game-in-2013/feed/7Sonic creator signs on with Nintendo of Americahttp://www.vg247.com/2012/04/05/sonic-creator-signs-on-with-nintendo-of-america/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/05/sonic-creator-signs-on-with-nintendo-of-america/#commentsThu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:43 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=249039Hirokazu Yasuhara, the level designer behind the sublime racing lines of the original Sonic game, has joined Nintendo.

Gamasutra reports the Sega veteran has left a position at Namco Bandai and will take up a new, as yet unrevealed role at Nintendo Software Technology in the US.

The NST division does a lot of behind the scenes work for other titles released under other studios names, but also regularly produces games of its own, generally portable releases of established Nintendo IP.

While not as well recognised a name as character designer Yuji Naka, Yasuhara’s highly influential and revolutionary level design is perhaps even more important in the story of Sonic the Hedgehog’s rise to prominence during the 1990’s.

Yasuhara stayed with Sega from 1988 until around 2000, after which he kept quite mobile, with stints at 2K, Naughty Dog (his credits include the Uncharted series) and Namco Bandai.

Takashi Iizuka announced the inclusion at Paris Games Week, as reported by Destructoid.

Beyond saying the game would be unlockable, Iizuka gave no more details.

Sonic the Hedgehog was the killer app of the Mega Drive, also called the Genesis. The game’s speed and fluidity was a marked departure from the floaty ponderousness of Mario and its ilk, and the blud hedgehog rapidly became the face of Sega.

Sonic Generations is expected on 3DS, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The portable version is expected at the end of November, while the core versions are due in the first week of the month.

“We are so excited that Sonic has been awarded the first-ever Outstanding Contribution Award at the Golden Joysticks,” said Sonic brand director David Corless. “In today’s ever changing market it’s rare for a character to last for 5 years – let alone 20. And that’s testament to the popularity and longevity of our blue blurred mascot.

“Since the days of the Mega Drive – he’s appeared on most consoles and handhelds going and also made the successful leap into the digital space. This award couldn’t have come at a better time as we celebrate Sonic’s 20th Anniversary and with the amazing Sonic Generations just around the corner. Here’s to the next 20!”

Other winners of this year’s awards will be announced tomorrow during the ceremony at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza.

In addition, the 29th annual Golden Joystick Awards has been handed a Guinness World Record for attracting 2.06 million votes.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/20/sonic-the-hedgehog-wins-for-outstanding-contribution-at-2011-golden-joystick-awards/feed/4Saturday Shorts: Castle Crashers, Warlock, Bit.Trip Saga, Homefront, StarCraft 2http://www.vg247.com/2011/08/27/saturday-shorts-castle-crashers-warlock-bit-trip-saga-homefront-starcraft-2/
http://www.vg247.com/2011/08/27/saturday-shorts-castle-crashers-warlock-bit-trip-saga-homefront-starcraft-2/#commentsSat, 27 Aug 2011 19:33:09 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=198916There’s a large batch of shorts for you below the break. Some of it PAX Prime related, some of it not. Read it anyway. Don’t make me have to punish you.